Do these 5 things to boost your energy levels

We’ve all been there – the all-out energy drain. Regardless of how enticing that flash sale is or how exciting that new movie is, you just don’t have the energy for it. If you are tired to being tired all the time, then it’s time for a change. Skip the extra cups of coffee and try these 5 things instead to enhance your own natural energy level.

Nip the problem in the bud

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Aside from increasing your risk of health conditions like lung cancer, health disease and stroke, the toxins and tar in the smoke from cigarettes can also reduce the efficiency of your lungs. What this means is over time, there will be less oxygen transported around your body, which can make you feel lethargic.

You snooze, you lose

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While hitting the snooze button might be a tempting option when your alarm goes off in the morning, by going back to bed, you could risk interrupting the hormone cycle. This in turn makes it harder to get going because you may not feel fully rested. Instead of hitting snooze, try setting your alarm for 10 to 15 minutes later and place your phone across the room so you can’t reach for it and silence it.

Coffee or tea?

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Having a cup of joe can help to increase alertness and sharpen your mind. However, when consumed in large volumes or in the afternoon (after 2pm), it can cause insomnia. If you need a pick-me-up in the morning, swap your coffee for a cup of green tea. In comparison to coffee, green tea is less likely to interfere with your sleep cycle because it contains a smaller dose of caffeine. Additionally, green tea also contains EGCG, which is an active ingredient that helps with weight loss.

If you have to have a cup of coffee in the morning to kick-start your day, try adding low-fat milk and some almonds into your coffee. By having a low-fat latte instead of an espresso or Americano, you’re getting not only an extra energy boost but also extra calcium that are good for your bones.

Laughter is the best medicine

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When you laugh, you’re reducing stress levels and releasing feel-good hormones which can not only boost your immune system but also give you an instant energy boost. So go ahead and watch those funny videos!

Make a toast to more energy

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You should never say yes to a nightcap because alcohol can prevent your body from entering REM sleep. So, even though you get plenty of sleep, you still don’t feel well-rested and energised. Also, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that if you have a tipple before hitting the sack, your sleep might get disrupted because the alcohol can make you get up at night to pee.

If you do enjoy winding down with a glass of alcoholic beverage, make sure to drink within recommended guidelines. According to the Health Promotion Board, women should drink no more than one standard drink (with 10 grams of alcohol) a day and men should limit themselves to two standard drinks per day. Also, avoid having a drink when it is close to your bedtime.

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